It's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered – from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs at PetSmart. Join our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!

Hybrid Position:

This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Associates with a Hybrid work arrangement have a work space at Phoenix Home Office and can be required to come onsite between 1-5 days a week as determined by leadership and based on business needs.

This role works on campus in Phoenix, Arizona

Position Summary

The Specialty Pet Health and Welfare Specialist is a critical advocate for the health and well-being of exotic/specialty pets (fish, birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and terrestrial/aquatic invertebrates) across PetSmart's network. This role involves collaborating with diverse teams to monitor pet health, investigate concerns, drive process improvements, and educate both staff and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Health Monitoring & Incident Response:
• Lead pet health meetings with merchants and planners to ensure proactive health management.
• Investigate and advise on escalated cases from stores involving medical issues, potential outbreaks, or zoonotic disease concerns.
• Document and maintain comprehensive records of pet health cases and tasks.
• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
• Collaborate with teams to gather data on pet health and loss, identify trends, and develop action plans for improvement.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of pet health tracking systems.
• Champion process improvement initiatives to enhance animal welfare.
• Vendor & Regulatory Compliance:
• Assist in the review and maintenance vendor corrective action requirements from Vet Assured audits.
• Assist in oversight of vendor health testing requirements to ensure compliance.
• Education & Consultation:
• Develop educational resources for PetSmart associates and prospective pet parents on exotic/specialty pet care.
• Consult with store operations on best practices for animal care and welfare, including maintenance and process improvements.
• Advise merchants on appropriate species and products for purchase, as well as items for in-store use.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams on pet health and product consultation and development.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
• Licensed Veterinary Technician or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., biology, zoology, animal science) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of case/task management experience.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience with exotic animal husbandry.
• Skills & Abilities:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and individuals.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on process improvement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a zoo, aquarium, veterinary clinic, or animal sanctuary.
• Advanced knowledge of exotic/aquatic pet husbandry and care.
• Some experience within a medical profession
• Experience with video editing software.
• Willingness for occasional travel.

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share.  These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On-site Dog Park
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On-site coffee bar
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:  Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.